Systems and methods for transmitting data using selected transmission technology from among other transmission technologies

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for selecting from among two or more wireless transmission technologies depending on one or more factors. Disclosed systems and methods may apply to various computer systems that use Bluetooth technologies for transmitting and receiving data between two devices. In particular, disclosed systems and methods may be used in a gaming environment such that data is transmitted based on any of the shared capabilities of the devices, the type of data, the amount of the data, latency constraints associated with the data, and other considerations.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to the following related application(s): U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/833,530, filed 11 Jun. 2013,entitled COMPUTING/GAMING PERIPHERALS WITH DUAL BLUETOOTHIMPLEMENTATIONS; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/299,270, filedon 9 Jun. 2014, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING DATA USINGSELECTED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY FROM AMONG OTHER TRANSMISSIONTECHNOLOGIES. The content of each of the related application(s) ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

Various embodiments relate to communication with computer and gamingperipheral systems, and more particularly, to networks, devices, methodsand machine-readable media for selectively utilizing two communicationplatforms when transmitting or receiving data.

BACKGROUND

Networks are often formed among remote computing devices such thatinformation may be communicated between the devices using variouscommunication technologies. In many networks, a computing devicereceives information from other devices that enable a user to interactwith the computing device such that the computing device controls aprogram based on user inputs. In gaming, for example, the computingdevice is often referred to as a “host” or a “console”, which carriesout processing and usually outputs video or other types of outputs forconsumption by the user. The user often uses an input device referred toas a “peripheral” to send inputs to the console that respond to and/orprompt outputs from the console. The peripherals typically includehardware and software that expand the capabilities of the console.

The interfaces between consoles and peripherals are highly variable andcome in many styles and features such that various peripherals areincompatible with each other in addition to incompatibility amongperipherals and consoles. In some cases, interfacing technology usedbetween a peripheral and a console or another peripheral may not beavailable for other consoles and peripherals.

To complicate matters more, different programs or games exploit the sameinterface technology in different ways, or even require differentinterface technologies to function as intended.

In some cases, advancements in interface technologies render legacytechnologies (and the peripherals or consoles that rely on them)unusable, or at least less desirable.

Accordingly, more versatile approaches for using computer and gamingperipheral interfaces are needed for multi-system compatibility and tokeep up with technological advances while maintaining compatibility withlegacy systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to networks,devices, methods and machine-readable media for selecting a wirelesstransmission technology over which data is transferred between twodevices. Such networks, devices, methods and machine-readable media mayselect one of a first wireless transmission technology and a secondwireless transmission technology to exchange data between a first deviceand a second device. The selecting may be based on one or more of:whether the first wireless transmission technology is supported by bothof the first and second devices, a type of the data, a latency parameterassociated with the data, a data rate parameter associated with thedata, and an amount of the data. The networks, devices, methods andmachine-readable media further cause the data to be exchanged betweenthe first device and the second device using the selected one of thefirst wireless transmission technology and the second wirelesstransmission technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a network system within which aspects of the disclosuremay operate.

FIG. 1B depicts one implementation for exchanging data between twodevices.

FIG. 1C depicts protocol stacks corresponding to three devices, eachwith different Bluetooth capabilities.

FIG. 2 depicts a device system within which aspects of the disclosuremay operate.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view perspective of a user interface device.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view perspective of a user interface device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on capability of a device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on the type of data.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on a desired or needed datarate associated with data to be transmitted.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on a latency toleranceassociated with data to be transmitted.

FIG. 8 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on an amount of data to betransmitted.

FIG. 9 illustrates a process for concurrent transmission of two sets ofdata using different ones of two or more wireless transmissiontechnologies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of this disclosure relates to a device that utilize twoor more wireless transmission technologies for exchanging data betweenthat device and another device.

FIG. 1A depicts a network system within which aspects of the disclosuremay operate. As shown, three devices exchange data via a communicationplatform. The communication platform utilizes any known orlater-developed communication technologies to facilitate communicationamong the various other platforms. Examples of communicationtechnologies include any wired and/or wireless communication pathways,protocols and infrastructure (e.g., access points, gateways, and thelike).

FIG. 1B depicts one implementation for exchanging data between twodevices. As shown, two devices exchange information via up to ncommunication channels, including a Bluetooth Classic (“Classic”)channel and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) channel.

Description below focuses on selectively utilizing one or both of twoBluetooth wireless transmission technologies (e.g., BLE andClassic/pre-BLE); however, other wireless transmission technologiesknown or later developed in the art may be used along with or in placeof the Bluetooth technologies.

Description below also focuses on gaming peripherals; however, any typeof computing device and/or peripheral may be used in association withthe methods described herein. Such peripherals may include variouscomponents, including some or all of the components shown in FIG. 2. Asshown, FIG. 2 depicts a device with inputs and outputs 201 (e.g.,buttons, switches, microphones, speakers, touchscreens, displays, othermeans) for receiving inputs from a user and for providing outputs tothat user. The device further includes one or more network interfaces202 (e.g., an antenna, a USB port, or other means) for receiving andsending data from and two other devices. The device also includes amemory 203 for storing a software solution such that a processor 204executes instructions embodied in the software solution. Varioussoftware solutions are contemplated that carry out the methods describedherein.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to use of a first wirelesscommunication technology over a second wireless communication technologydepending on various factors, such as a device's ability to use thefirst wireless communication technology, the type of data that needs tobe transferred, the amount of data that needs to be transferred, and atolerated amount of delay until the data must be received and/orprocessed at the remote device, among other factors.

In one embodiment, for example, a gaming peripheral first attempts toexchange data with another device using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). IfBLE is not available, or if BLE is available but cannot support certaintransmission requirements, the peripheral then uses Bluetooth Classic(“Classic”), which is often referred to as standard Bluetooth. Ofcourse, the opposite may be true where a first attempt is made usingClassic, and then BLE is used only when Classic is not available orincapable of supporting transmission requirements.

In another embodiment, a gaming peripheral simultaneously exchanges dataon BLE and Classic. This combination enables certain types of data(e.g., low latency data) to be exchanged using BLE, while other types ofdata (e.g., audio, video and haptic data) are exchanged using Classic.Doing so enables quicker transmission of important or time-criticaldata.

Certain embodiments exchange information between two devices (e.g., aperipheral and a console), where both devices have the capability toexchange information using the two wireless transmission technologies(e.g., a dual-mode Bluetooth platform on each device), where only onedevice has the capability to exchange information using the two wirelesstransmission technologies, or where neither device has the capability toexchange information using both of the two wireless transmissiontechnologies.

Where a peripheral has the capability to exchange information using thetwo wireless transmission technologies (e.g., Classic and BLE), thatperipheral chooses the most appropriate wireless link based on the otherdevice with which the peripheral is communicating (e.g., a console,another peripheral). If the other device can use both wirelesstransmission technologies, then the peripheral can seamlessly transmitdata using a preferred wireless transmission technology. When thepreferred wireless transmission technology is relatively new, aperipheral (e.g., a game controller, mouse, keyboard, joystick, wheel,flight stick, fight stick, fight pad, graphical instrument panel, atouch screen, or other peripheral) can interface with a newer consolethat supports the newer wireless transmission technology, and theperipheral may also interface with a legacy console that does notsupport the newer wireless transmission technology. Similarly, theperipheral may use one wireless transmission technology to improveinteraction with a program or game that performs better when thatwireless transmission technology is used, and the peripheral may laterinterface with a legacy program or game that that does not support thenewer wireless transmission technology.

The peripheral may also transmit the same type of information using thedifferent wireless transmission technologies depending on whichtechnologies are available. For example, where the peripheral is a HumanInterface Device (HID), Classic's HID profile may allow and definecommunication of data. Similarly, BLE's HID over GATT Profile (HOGP) mayallow and define communication of the data.

Additional embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

Methodologies

FIG. 4 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on capability of anotherdevice. According to FIG. 4, a preferred transmission technology isdetermined (401). Once the preferred transmission channel is determined,a capability of a remote device is consulted to determine whether thatremote device supports data transmissions via the preferred transmissiontechnology (402). If the remote device supports data transmissions viathe preferred transmission technology, the data is transmitted using thepreferred technology (403). Otherwise, when the remote device does notsupport data transmissions via the preferred transmission technology,the data is transmitted using technology other than the preferredtechnology (404).

FIG. 5 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on the type of data. Accordingto FIG. 5, a type of data to be transmitted is determined (501), and apreferred transmission technology is determined based on the type ofdata (502). The type of data may include, for example, higher bandwidthdata like voice content, audio content, and prompts and commands sentvia HFP1.6 using Classic Bluetooth. Other types of data may includeminimal event driven data (e.g., digital and analog button/axesreports), gamepad HID data, and media keys sent via BLE.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on a desired or needed datarate associated with data to be transmitted. According to FIG. 6, a datarate associated with data to be transmitted is determined (601), and apreferred transmission technology is determined based on the data rate(602). Determination of the data rate may be based on a requirement setforth by a program or game, or by other ways known in the art. In oneembodiment, one transmission technology is selected over anothertransmission technology when the data rate exceeds a threshold data rate(e.g., a maximum data rate of the other transmission technology, aminimum tolerated data rate for the selected transmission technology).

FIG. 7 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on a latency toleranceassociated with data to be transmitted. According to FIG. 7, a requiredor tolerated latency associated with data to be transmitted isdetermined (701), and a preferred transmission technology is determinedbased on the tolerated latency (702). Determination of the toleratedlatency may be based on a requirement set forth by a console/otherperipheral, program or game in relation to that data (e.g., where atolerated amount of latency is provided by the console/other peripheral,program or game) or in relation to other data (e.g., that is of higherpriority than the data), or by other ways known in the art. In oneembodiment, one transmission technology is selected over anothertransmission technology when the tolerated latency exceeds a thresholdlatency value (e.g., a maximum latency possible with the othertransmission technology, a minimum latency possible with the selectedtransmission technology).

FIG. 8 illustrates a process for transmitting data using one of twowireless transmission technologies based on an amount of data to betransmitted. According to FIG. 8, an amount of data to be transmitted isdetermined (801), and a preferred transmission technology is determinedbased on the amount of data (802). In one embodiment, one transmissiontechnology is selected over another transmission technology when theamount of data exceeds a threshold amount of data (e.g., a maximumamount of data that can be carried by the other transmission technology,a minimum amount of data that can be carried by the selectedtransmission technology).

FIG. 9 illustrates a process for concurrent transmission of two sets ofdata using different ones of two or more wireless transmissiontechnologies. Preferred transmission technologies are determined foreach of the sets of data (901, 902), and the sets of data aretransmitted using the their preferred transmission technology (903).

Aspects Related to One or More Bluetooth Implementations

A dual-mode Bluetooth device may include an integrated circuit thatincludes both a Classic radio feature and a BLE radio feature. In someembodiments, each radio feature operates separately, but not at the sametime when they share an antenna. If an antenna is shared, datatransmitted using Classic and data transmitted using BLE may beinterleaved, or transmitted using a different technique. In otherembodiments, like when different radio platforms are available, Classictransmission occurs in parallel with BLE transmission.

Determining what to transmit, when to transmit it, and what technologyto transmit it with may be made by a processor (e.g., using a Bluetoothselection procedure).

In certain embodiments, BLE technology is used for episodic or periodictransfer of small amounts of data, and Classic is used for streamingdata since Classic can achieve substantially greater throughput thanBLE. In other embodiments, Classic is used to transmit data to a remotedevice when the range to that remote device exceeds the range of BLE ora minimum range.

FIG. 1C depicts one implementation for exchanging data between threedevices, each with different capabilities. Classic, Dual-mode and BLEstacks are shown from left to right.

Aspects Related to a Gamepad Controller

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a gamepad controller which has theability to control media directly with dedicated Play/Pause/NextTrack/Previous Track buttons. The illustrative controller is shown tohave a mode selection switch (see FIG. 3B), which may be available via aphysical hardware switch, and/or implemented in software (e.g.,activated by voice recognition, shaking of the gamepad, or other means).The switch permits the controller to change how it reports and operates.For example, the switch may set the controller as a mouse (e.g., formoving a cursor and making selections on a display), a gamepad (e.g.,for interacting with a game like controlling a player in a game), or asa user device that is connected to an auxiliary device like a smartphone or other computing device (e.g., that connects to the controller).The switch may also switch between transmission technologies.

The controller may be designed to extend the core gaming experience tosupporting mobile computing devices (e.g., smart phones) by having theability to use different transmission technologies that are supported oreven preferred by those mobile computing devices.

The illustrative controller selects one of two or more wirelesstransmission technologies depending on various factors describedelsewhere herein, which offers mobile game developers and publishersstandardization not found in association with other controllers andother peripherals. The controller also provides for ease ofimplementation and scalability by enabling controller and console-likeaccessory functionality in mobile games. The illustrative controller isgame and hardware agnostic (i.e., interoperable among various systems),universally compatibility, and features simplified setup, longer batterylife (e.g., due to use of BLE for some data transmissions).

The illustrative controller is compatible with a wide variety of devicesincluding Windows PC, Mac, and mobile and smart devices. It featuresboth Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Smart (4.0) technologies, whichprovides the ideal combination of compatibly and future proofconnectivity to any computing device. When used with compatible devices,Bluetooth Smart provides ultra-low latency, interference free gaming andexceptional battery life.

In some embodiments, the controller includes three Human InterfaceDevice (HID) modes ensuring mobile and desktop platforms are supported.An Android Mode implements controls based on the NVIDIA® Tegra®standard. A Mouse Mode implements keyboard and mouse controls for devicenavigation and browsing, which is ideal for living room computing and PCMode implements standard PC pad controls.

Firmware update capability provides a future proof design and includedtravel clip allows gamers to attach their Apple, Android or other devicefor gaming on the go. Desktop and mobile software may be downloaded aswell, allowing a user to adjust control stick settings and view productinformation. Thus, the controller can be fully programmed on desktopcomputers and Windows PC users will be able to access XInput mode forsupported games.

In various embodiments, the gamepad controller of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3Bincludes the components of FIG. 2, and performs the methodologiesdisclosed herein.

Other Aspects Related to Systems & Methods

Functionality and operation disclosed herein may be embodied as one ormore methods implemented, in whole or in part, by machine(s)—e.g.,processor(s)—at one or more locations. Non-transitory machine-readablemedia embodying program instructions adapted to be executed to implementthe method(s) are also contemplated. Execution of the programinstructions by one or more processors cause the processors to carry outthe method(s).

By way of example, not by way of limitation, method(s) may comprise:selecting one of a first wireless transmission technology and a secondwireless transmission technology to exchange data between a first deviceand a second device, wherein the selecting is based on one or more of:whether the first wireless transmission technology is supported by bothof the first and second devices, a type of the data, a latency parameterassociated with the data, a data rate parameter associated with thedata, and an amount of the data; and causing the data to be exchangedbetween the first device and the second device using the selected one ofthe first wireless transmission technology and the second wirelesstransmission technology.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: determining whether thefirst wireless transmission technology is supported by each of the firstand second devices; selecting the first wireless transmission technologyover the second wireless transmission technology to exchange the databetween the first device and the second device when the first wirelesstransmission technology is supported by both of the first and seconddevices; and using the second wireless transmission technology toexchange the data between the first device and the second device onlyafter determining that the first wireless transmission technology is notsupported by at least one of the first and second devices.

In accordance with some aspects, the first wireless transmissiontechnology is Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology, and wherein thesecond wireless transmission technology is Classic Bluetooth technology.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: identifying the type ofthe data, wherein the selecting is based on the type of the data.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: determining whether thetype of the data is included among a first set of data types; selectingthe first wireless transmission technology over the second wirelesstransmission technology to exchange the data between the first deviceand the second device when the type of the data is included among thefirst set of data types; and selecting the second wireless transmissiontechnology over the first wireless transmission technology to exchangethe data between the first device and the second device when the type ofthe data is not included among the first set of data types.

In accordance with some aspects, the first set of data types includevideo, audio, and haptic data.

In accordance with some aspects, the first wireless transmissiontechnology is Classic Bluetooth technology, and wherein the secondwireless transmission technology is Bluetooth low energy (BLE)technology.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: identifying the latencyparameter associated with the data, wherein the selecting is based onthe latency parameter associated with the data.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: determining whether thelatency parameter associated with the data exceeds a threshold latencycondition; selecting the first wireless transmission technology over thesecond wireless transmission technology to exchange the data between thefirst device and the second device when the latency parameter associatedwith the data does not exceed the threshold latency condition; andselecting the second wireless transmission technology over the firstwireless transmission technology to exchange the data between the firstdevice and the second device when the latency parameter associated withthe data exceeds the threshold latency condition.

In accordance with some aspects, the first wireless transmissiontechnology is Classic Bluetooth technology, and wherein the secondwireless transmission technology is Bluetooth low energy (BLE)technology.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: identifying the datarate parameter associated with the data, wherein the selecting is basedon the data rate parameter associated with the data.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: determining whether thedata rate parameter associated with the data exceeds a threshold datarate condition; selecting the first wireless transmission technologyover the second wireless transmission technology to exchange the databetween the first device and the second device when the data rateparameter associated with the data exceeds the threshold data ratecondition; and selecting the second wireless transmission technologyover the first wireless transmission technology to exchange the databetween the first device and the second device when the data rateparameter associated with the data does not exceed the threshold datarate condition.

In accordance with some aspects, the first wireless transmissiontechnology is Classic Bluetooth technology, and wherein the secondwireless transmission technology is Bluetooth low energy (BLE)technology.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: identifying the amountof the data, wherein the selecting is based on the amount of the data.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: determining whether theamount of the data exceeds a threshold amount of data; selecting thefirst wireless transmission technology over the second wirelesstransmission technology to exchange the data between the first deviceand the second device when the amount of the data exceeds the thresholdamount of data; and selecting the second wireless transmissiontechnology over the first wireless transmission technology to exchangethe data between the first device and the second device when the amountof the data does not exceed the threshold amount of data.

In accordance with some aspects, the first wireless transmissiontechnology is Classic Bluetooth technology, and wherein the secondwireless transmission technology is Bluetooth low energy (BLE)technology.

In accordance with some aspects, the first wireless transmissiontechnology is selected to exchange the data between the first device andthe second device, and wherein the second wireless transmissiontechnology is selected to exchange additional data between the firstdevice and the second device.

In accordance with some aspects, the second wireless transmissiontechnology is selected to exchange the additional data based on one ormore of a type of the additional data, a latency parameter associatedwith the additional data, a data rate parameter associated with theadditional data, and an amount of the additional data.

In accordance with some aspects, differences between the type of thedata and the type of the additional data are used to select the firstwireless transmission technology to exchange the data between the firstdevice and the second device, and also used to select the secondwireless transmission technology to exchange the additional data betweenthe first device and the second device.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: causing the data to betransmitted using the first wireless transmission technology at the sametime when the additional data is transmitted using the second wirelesstransmission technology.

Method(s) may further or alternatively comprise: determining whether ahardware switch of the first device is in a first position or a secondposition; selecting the first wireless transmission technology when thehardware switch of the first device is in the first position; andselecting the second wireless transmission technology when the hardwareswitch of the first device is in the second position.

In accordance with some aspects, the first wireless transmissiontechnology is Classic Bluetooth technology, and wherein the secondwireless transmission technology is Bluetooth low energy (BLE)technology.

Any portion of the functionality embodied in the method(s) above may becombined with any other portion of that functionality.

Systems that carry out functionality (e.g., embodied as methods) mayinclude one or more devices, including transmitter(s) from whichposition information is sent, receiver(s) at which position informationis received, processor(s)/server(s) used to compute a position of areceiver and carry out other functionality, input/output (I/O)device(s), data source(s) and/or other device(s). Outputs from a firstdevice or group of devices may be received and used by another deviceduring performance of methods. Accordingly, an output from one devicemay cause another device to perform a method even where the two devicesare no co-located (e.g., a receiver in a network of transmitters and aserver in another country). Additionally, one or more computers mayprogrammed to carry out various methods, and instructions stored on oneor more machine-readable media may be executed by a processor to performvarious methods.

The illustrative systems, methods, logical features, blocks, modules,components, circuits, and algorithm steps described herein may beimplemented, performed, or otherwise controlled by suitable hardwareknown or later developed in the art, or by firmware or software executedby processor(s), or any combination of hardware, software and firmware.

Systems may include one or more devices or means that implement thefunctionality (e.g., embodied as methods) described herein. For example,such devices or means may include processor(s) that, when executinginstructions, perform a portion or all of any method disclosed herein.Such instructions can be embodied in software, firmware and/or hardware.A processor (also referred to as a “processing device”) may perform orotherwise carry out any of the operational steps, processing steps,computational steps, method steps, or other functionality disclosedherein, including analysis, manipulation, conversion or creation ofdata, or other operations on data. A processor may include, or beincluded within, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an integrated circuit, a server, other programmable logic device,or any combination thereof. A processor may be a conventional processor,microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. Aprocessor can also refer to a chip or part of a chip (e.g.,semiconductor chip). The term “processor” may refer to one, two or moreprocessors of the same or different types. It is noted that a computer,computing device and user device, and the like, may refer to devicesthat include a processor, or may be equivalent to the processor itself.

“Memory” may be accessible by a machine, such that the machine can readinformation from and/or write information to the memory. It is notedthat a “machine” may include a computer, a processor, a controller, orother suitable device as known or later developed in the art. Memory maybe integral with or separate from the machine. Instructions may residein such memory (e.g., RAM, flash, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, diskstorage), or any other form of storage medium. Memory may include anon-transitory machine-readable medium having machine-readable programcode (e.g., instructions) embodied therein that is adapted to beexecuted to implement any number of the various methods, or variationsof such methods, disclosed herein. Machine-readable media may be anyavailable storage media, including non-volatile media (e.g., optical,magnetic, semiconductor). Machine-readable media may be any availablestorage media, including removable, non-removable, volatile,non-volatile media. Examples of machine-readable media include anelectric circuit, a semiconductor storage media (e.g., a semiconductormemory device), a ROM, a flash memory, an erasable ROM (EROM), a floppydiskette or other magnetic storage, a CD-ROM/DVD or other opticalstorage, a hard disk, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed. Carrier waves may be usedto transfer data and instructions through electronic, optical, air,electromagnetic, RF, or other signaling media over a network usingnetwork transfer protocols. Instructions embodied in software can bedownloaded to reside on and operated from different platforms used byknown operating systems. Instructions embodied in firmware can becontained in an integrated circuit or other suitable device

Functionality (e.g., methods) disclosed herein may be programmed intoany of a variety of circuitry that is suitable for such purpose asunderstood by one of skill in the art. For example, functionality may beembodied in processors having software-based circuit emulation, discretelogic, custom devices, neural logic, quantum devices, PLDs, FPGA, PAL,ASIC, MOSFET, CMOS, ECL, polymer technologies, mixed analog and digital,and hybrids thereof. Data, instructions, commands, information, signals,bits, symbols, and chips disclosed herein may be represented byvoltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles,optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. Computingnetworks may be used to carry out functionality and may include hardwarecomponents (servers, monitors, I/O, network connection). Applicationprograms may carry out aspects by receiving, converting, processing,storing, retrieving, transferring and/or exporting data, which may bestored in a hierarchical, network, relational, non-relational,object-oriented, or other data source.

Transmission of information may be carried out using technologies,protocols, procedures and the like that are known or later-developed byone of skill in the art. For example, information may be represented bydata, and that data may be transmitted over any communication pathwayusing any protocol, and then stored by any data source. A data sourcewhich is depicted as a single storage device may be realized by multiple(e.g., distributed) storage devices. A data source may include one ormore types of data sources, including hierarchical, network, relational,non-relational, object-oriented, or another type of data source. As usedherein, machine-readable media includes all forms of machine-readablemedium except, to the extent that such media is deemed to benon-statutory (e.g., transitory propagating signals).

Features in system and apparatus figures that are illustrated asrectangles may refer to hardware, firmware or software. It is noted thatlines linking two such features may be illustrative of data transferbetween those features. Such transfer may occur directly between thosefeatures or through intermediate features even if not illustrated. Whereno line connects two features, transfer of data between those featuresis contemplated unless otherwise stated. Accordingly, the lines areprovide to illustrate certain aspects, but should not be interpreted aslimiting. The words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including” andthe like are to be construed in an inclusive sense (i.e., not limitedto) as opposed to an exclusive sense (i.e., consisting only of). Wordsusing the singular or plural number also include the plural or singularnumber respectively. The words “or” or “and” cover both any of the itemsand all of the items in a list. “Some” and “any” and “at least one”refers to one or more. The term “device” may comprise one or morecomponents (e.g., a processor, a memory, a receiver, a screen, andothers). The disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspectsshown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope understood by askilled artisan, including equivalent systems and methods.

1. A method for using a wireless transmission technology over which datais transferred between two devices, the method comprising: determiningif a first wireless transmission technology, from two or more wirelesstransmission technologies that include the first wireless transmissiontechnology and a second wireless transmission technology, may be used totransmit data from a first device to a second device; and afterdetermining that the first wireless transmission technology may be usedto transmit the data between the first device and the second device,transmitting the data between the first device and the second deviceusing the first wireless transmission technology.
 2. The method of claim1, the method comprises: after determining that the first wirelesstransmission technology may not be used to transmit the data between thefirst device and the second device, transmitting the data between thefirst device and the second device using the second wirelesstransmission technology.
 3. The method of claim 1, the methodcomprising: selecting, based on a factor, the first wirelesstransmission technology over the second wireless transmission technologyto transmit the data between the first device and the second device. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein the factor is whether the first wirelesstransmission technology is supported by the second device, the methodcomprising: selecting the first wireless transmission technology overthe second wireless transmission technology after determining that thefirst wireless transmission technology is supported by the seconddevice.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the factor is whether the datais a first type of data, the method comprising: selecting the firstwireless transmission technology over the second wireless transmissiontechnology after determining that the data is the first type of data. 6.The method of claim 3, wherein the factor is whether a data rateassociated with the data exceeds a threshold data rate, the methodcomprising: selecting the first wireless transmission technology overthe second wireless transmission technology after determining that thedata exceeds the threshold data rate.
 7. The method of claim 3, whereinthe factor is whether a latency tolerance associated with data exceeds athreshold latency value, the method comprising: selecting the firstwireless transmission technology over the second wireless transmissiontechnology after determining that the latency tolerance exceeds thethreshold latency value.
 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the factor iswhether an amount of the data exceeds a threshold amount of data, themethod comprising: selecting the first wireless transmission technologyover the second wireless transmission technology after determining thatthe amount of the data exceeds the threshold amount of data.
 9. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the factor is whether the data is to beepisodically or periodically transmitted between the first device andthe second device, the method comprising: selecting the first wirelesstransmission technology over the second wireless transmission technologyafter determining that the data is to be episodically or periodicallytransmitted between the first device and the second device.
 10. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the factor is whether the data is to bestreamed between the first device and the second device, the methodcomprising: selecting the first wireless transmission technology overthe second wireless transmission technology after determining that thedata is to be streamed between the first device and the second device.11. The method of claim 3, wherein the factor is whether a range betweenthe first device and the second device exceeds a range of the secondwireless transmission technology, the method comprising: selecting thefirst wireless transmission technology over the second wirelesstransmission technology after determining that the range between thefirst device and the second device exceeds the range of the secondwireless transmission technology.
 12. The method of claim 3, wherein thefactor is whether a mode selection switch is switched to the firstwireless transmission technology or whether the mode selection switch isswitched to the second wireless transmission technology, the methodcomprising: selecting the first wireless transmission technology afterdetermining that the mode selection switch is switched to the firstwireless transmission technology.
 13. The method of claim 3, wherein thefactor is whether the first wireless transmission technology isavailable, the method comprising: after determining that the firstwireless transmission technology is available, transmitting the databetween the first device and the second device using the first wirelesstransmission technology; and after determining that the first wirelesstransmission technology is not available, transmitting the data betweenthe first device and the second device using the second wirelesstransmission technology.
 14. The method of claim 3, wherein the factoris whether the first wireless transmission technology can supporttransmission requirements of the data, the method comprising: afterdetermining that the first wireless transmission technology can supportthe transmission requirements of the data, transmitting the data betweenthe first device and the second device using the first wirelesstransmission technology; and after determining that the first wirelesstransmission technology cannot support the transmission requirements ofthe data, transmitting the data between the first device and the seconddevice using the second wireless transmission technology.
 15. The methodof claim 3, the method comprising: selecting the first wirelesstransmission technology over using both the first wireless transmissiontechnology and the second wireless transmission technology to transmitthe data between the first device and the second device.
 16. One or morenon-transitory machine-readable media embodying program instructionsadapted to be executed to implement a method for using a wirelesstransmission technology over which data is transferred between twodevices, the method comprising: determining if a first wirelesstransmission technology, from two or more wireless transmissiontechnologies that include the first wireless transmission technology asecond wireless transmission technology, may be used to transmit datafrom a first device to a second device; and after determining that thefirst wireless transmission technology may be used to transmit the databetween the first device and the second device, transmitting the databetween the first device and the second device using the first wirelesstransmission technology.
 17. A system for using a wireless transmissiontechnology over which data is transferred between two devices, thesystem including one more devices that: determine if a first wirelesstransmission technology, from two or more wireless transmissiontechnologies that include the first wireless transmission technology asecond wireless transmission technology, may be used to transmit datafrom a first device to a second device; and transmit the data betweenthe first device and the second device using the first wirelesstransmission technology after determining that the first wirelesstransmission technology may be used to transmit the data between thefirst device and the second device.